Types of Swords

There are so many different types of Swords that it can be difficult to conclusively classify them into neat groups and categories.

One respected sword scholar, Colonel D.H. Gordon, a British army officer trained in sabre and bayonet fencing pre-WWI suggested that weapons less than 14" long should be classified as daggers, 14-20" long as dirks, those 20-28" as short swords and anything over that length as longswords.

However, below we can grouped together a few basic types of swords not so much by their length but geographic and cultural region as well as their primary function - as well as links to dedicated SBG pages reviewing modern replicas of these broad categories.

Asian Swords

A Japanese Katana

Perhaps the most diverse and exotic types of swords, Asian swords include straight, doubled edged Chinese longswords (Jian) and single edged Chinese Sabers (Dao), as well as a myriad of other exotic weapons favored by martial artists the world over. Click here for information on functional replica Chinese swords.

However, probably the most impressive and specialized of all Asian swords are the Japanese swords – most notably the Katana, a single edged, slightly curved sword around 4’ in length.

Designed specifically to cut through human flesh and bone, in the hands of an expert swordsman the Katana was fully capable of cutting a man diagonally in half with one clean blow. Click on the link for more information on Authentic Japanese Swords.

Egyptian swords

An Egyptian Khopesh

Of note though is the exotic combination of sword and sickle called the Khopesh, that was commonly used to ritualistically behead captured enemies after a battle and was the most feared sword of the ancient world.

Click here for information on modern replica Khopesh.

Foils and Rapiers

A Renaissance Rapier

Surprisingly heavy, a true rapier was much longer and slower than the types of swords used in modern fencing. There are also several types of swords related to the rapier, such as the epee or the 'smallsword'.

Two Handed Swords, Claymores and Flamberges

A Two Handed Sword and Flamberge

Two handed swords or Great swords were a specialized weapon around 6’ long that became popular in the 1500s to 1600s, the precise military role of these swords is a matter of debate for scholars, though many tend to believe that they were primarily used in 1 on 1 duels and single combat, though would have also been useful in the front lines for 'shock troops' to cleave a path through the enemy.

The term Claymore is a derivate of the Gaelic "claidheamh-more" (great sword) and was frequently used by the Scottish Highlanders against the English in the 16th Century.

Flamberges were unusual types of swords popular with officers and the upper classes in the 1600s. With scalloped, serrated edges these swords were believed to slow an opponents blade slightly as it passed along its length and deliver a more deadly wound.

Longswords and Bastard Swords

Longswords

The term 'long sword' is actually quite nebulous and can refer to many different types of swords depending on the context and time period...

However, these days, it is generally accepted by modern sword scholars that the term long sword is used to describe was what previously called a 'Bastard' sword or 'hand and a half sword', in other words a straight, double edged sword that is between 4 to 4 and ½ feet long, with an average weight of 3 to 4lbs.

In other time periods, longswords referred to one handed swords that were typically used in conjunction with a shield or buckler (also known as 'broadswords'). These days, such types of swords are generally called 'Arming Swords'.

Confusing I know, but for the sake of clarity, SBG always attempts to use modern sword typology.

Scimitars, Falchions and Sabers

Sabers/Sabres

About 3 to 4’ long, these swords all have a curved, single edged blade and were a popular cavalry weapon and military blade – with the scimitar, an Arabic sword, having a more noticeable curve.

The Falchion was the principal side arm of medieval peasant conscript soldiers as it was easy to use and its heavy blade weighted towards the point was capable of delivering tremendous blows that were effective against heavy armor.

You can read more about modern replicas of these three main types of swords in my article 'Slicers and Choppers' ;-)

Short Swords

A Roman Gladius

Short Swords usually have a total length of around 2’ and historically were designed to be used with a shield in one hand. Favored by the Roman Army – these swords include the Spatha, the Gladius and several other variations. Click on the link for more information on Ancient Swords.

Artwork by Selena Fenech www.selenafenech.com